“I think this is absolutely wrong,” he said. “I do not agree with that.”

Hope said when there's a tax increase the public may be upset for two weeks, but noted that complaints about infrastructure, services and amenities tend to last for the rest of the year.

Also on Tuesday, South Kent Coun. Karen Herman entered a successful motion to add $30,000 into the base budget for Talbot Trail Place.

The current tax impact is 3.33%, with the budget still to be finalized. The figure is lower than it was last week since a design study had been rolled into the overall budget when it was intended for the not-recommended list.

Deliberations continue on Wednesday in council chambers at 6 p.m., as well as Thursday if needed.

“The result of this budget will be one that will be in the best interest of the community overall,” said Chatham Coun. Derek Robertson, budget chair. “We will deliberate until we get the job done.”